Wegovy, Ozempic, and Saxenda: What’s a Better Weight Loss Drug?
Last updated: February 2025 | Medically reviewed content
When it comes to weight loss, finding the right approach can feel like navigating a maze. Some people can lose weight through diet and exercise alone, but for others, medications might be necessary to help along the way. In recent years, three medications have become popular options for weight loss: Wegovy, Ozempic, and Saxenda. But how do you choose between them? Let’s break them down in simple terms, compare their similarities and differences, and help you understand which one might be right for you.
What Are Wegovy, Ozempic, and Saxenda?
All three of these medications work by influencing the way your body manages hunger, appetite, and metabolism. They belong to a class of drugs called GLP-1 agonists. GLP-1 is a hormone that helps regulate your blood sugar, appetite, and insulin levels. By mimicking this hormone, these medications help reduce hunger, increase feelings of fullness, and slow down how fast your stomach empties after eating.
Here’s a quick overview of each:
- Wegovy:
- What it is: Wegovy is FDA-approved specifically for chronic weight management in people who are either obese (with a BMI of 30 or higher) or overweight (with a BMI of 27 or higher) and have at least one weight-related health condition (like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol).
- How it works: Wegovy is injected once a week. It not only helps with weight loss by curbing appetite, but it also may improve heart health and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Ozempic:
- What it is: Ozempic is very similar to Wegovy and was originally approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, people without diabetes can use it for weight loss under the guidance of their doctor.
- How it works: Ozempic is injected once a week and helps lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. For those using it for weight loss, it helps control hunger and can lead to significant weight reduction.
- Saxenda:
- What it is: Saxenda is a medication that is also a GLP-1 agonist, but it’s specifically approved for weight loss. Unlike Ozempic and Wegovy, it is injected daily instead of weekly.
- How it works: Saxenda helps people lose weight by reducing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness. It is most effective when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
How Are They Similar?
- All Three Help with Weight Loss: They all help reduce appetite and make people feel full, which can lead to weight loss. This makes them especially helpful for individuals who struggle with overeating or emotional eating.
- GLP-1 Agonists: As mentioned, all three medications are part of the same drug class (GLP-1 agonists), meaning they work in similar ways by mimicking the body’s natural GLP-1 hormone.
- Injectable: All three medications are administered through an injection. While Wegovy and Ozempic are weekly injections, Saxenda is taken daily.
- Potential Side Effects: Like all medications, they can have side effects. Some common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These tend to lessen over time as your body adjusts to the medication.
How Are They Different?
- FDA Approval for Weight Loss: Wegovy and Saxenda are both FDA-approved specifically for weight loss. Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes but has been shown to be effective for weight loss, so it’s sometimes prescribed off-label for this purpose.
- Frequency of Injection: This is one of the biggest differences between these drugs:
- Wegovy and Ozempic are injected once a week, making them more convenient for people who don’t want to deal with daily injections.
- Saxenda, on the other hand, requires a daily injection, which may be less appealing to some people.
- Approved Population:
- Wegovy is approved for people with a BMI of 30 or higher or a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related condition.
- Saxenda is also approved for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher or a BMI of 27 or higher with one weight-related health condition.
- Ozempic is primarily used for people with type 2 diabetes but may be prescribed for weight loss if a doctor feels it’s appropriate.
- Weight Loss Results: Clinical trials have shown that Wegovy may help individuals lose more weight compared to Saxenda or Ozempic. This is mainly because Wegovy is approved for weight loss in higher doses, whereas Ozempic is at a lower dose for managing diabetes. However, individual results can vary depending on your specific health conditions and lifestyle.
Who Should Consider Each Medication?
- Wegovy:
- Best for: People who are obese or overweight with additional health conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes, and who want to lose a significant amount of weight.
- Why choose Wegovy? It’s typically the go-to choice for weight loss in those with obesity, offering the most substantial weight loss results in studies.
- Ozempic:
- Best for: People with type 2 diabetes who need help managing blood sugar and also want to lose weight.
- Why choose Ozempic? If you have type 2 diabetes and need to manage your blood sugar while also losing weight, Ozempic might be the best option. It’s an FDA-approved medication for diabetes that also has weight-loss benefits.
- Saxenda:
- Best for: People who are overweight or obese and need a daily medication to help manage their weight.
- Why choose Saxenda? If you prefer daily injections and are looking for a weight loss tool, Saxenda can be a good choice, especially if you’re committed to using it alongside diet and exercise changes.
How to Choose the Right Medication for You
Choosing the right medication depends on your specific health needs, preferences, and lifestyle. Here are some questions to ask yourself or your doctor when deciding:
- What are my health goals? Are you looking to manage type 2 diabetes while losing weight, or are you primarily focused on weight loss?
- How often am I willing to inject myself? Weekly injections (Wegovy and Ozempic) may be easier for some people, while others may be okay with daily injections (Saxenda).
- Do I have any other health conditions? For example, if you have diabetes, Ozempic may be a better option for you.
Always talk to your doctor before starting any new medication. They can help you weigh the pros and cons based on your health, weight loss goals, and any other medications you might be taking.
Also, the pharmaceutical industry keeps innovating and bringing new medications to market. In addition to the three medications discussed in this article, there are other names: Tirzepatide (Zepbound): an injectable drug that lowers appetite and helps you feel full; Setmelanotide (Imcivree): an injectable drug lowering appetite and increasing energy use, but is only for people with certain rare genetic disorders; Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia): a drug that’s an anorexian; Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave): A combination drug that can raise blood pressure; Orlistat (Alli, Xenical): a drug that affects how your body absorbs fat.
So, it’s always good to consult with your physician to see what’s available today and which one will be the best choice for your health conditions.
Final Thoughts about Weight Loss Drugs
Wegovy, Ozempic, and Saxenda are all new effective weight loss drugs FDA-approved for long-term weight management, but they each have unique features. Whether you’re dealing with obesity, overweight-related health conditions, or type 2 diabetes, these medications can support your journey. However, they work best when combined with a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise. Speak with your healthcare provider to find the right option for you.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please always consult with your healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication regimen.
About the Author: Dr. Hina Zaman is a board-certified family medicine physician specializing in weight management, metabolic health, and other medical conditions. She helps patients achieve their health goals through comprehensive, evidence-based treatment plans at her practice in Murphy, Texas (near Dallas, TX).
Contact Information:
Family Care USA, PLLC.
Address: 318 WFM 544, Suite A2, Murphy, TX 75094
Phone: +1 469-782-0165
Additional Resources:
- Mayo Clinic – “Considering GLP-1 medications?“
- Learn more about the science behind GLP-1 agonists and how they work for weight loss.
- FDA – Information on Weight Loss Medications
- Read the article for more detailed information on FDA-approved weight loss medications.
- American Diabetes Association: Ozempic and Weight Loss
- A comprehensive guide to Ozempic for diabetes management and its effect on weight loss.
- Cleveland Clinic: Weight Loss Medications
- Information on how weight loss medications, including Wegovy and Saxenda, work.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Healthy Weight
- Learn more about healthy weight management from the CDC.
